Our patrons

Once a patient himself, the Manchester United Football Club and England central defender officially joined the Charity as a patron in 2024 to help change the lives of the patients that visit Sheffield Children’s Hospital. 

Harry said: “The staff are brilliant, and the patients I've met are so positive despite being in a hospital. It's truly inspiring. As soon as you step foot in the hospital, you can see it’s full of joy and care.

“Being a dad myself and speaking to the parents of patients when I visited, I can’t imagine how tough it must be. The Charity does amazing things and I’m looking forward to getting involved and making a difference.”

Jess has been the best all-round women’s athlete for a number of years now. In 2012, she was the face of her home Olympics in London and managed to overcome the pressure and win gold in sublime style, adding to her previous European and World Championship triumphs. She is a born and raised Sheffield girl and has been a patron of the charity since April 2006.

The face of 5 News on Channel 5, Dan Walker, has been a patron of The Children’s Hospital Charity since 2012. Dan moved back to Sheffield after studying BA History and MA Journalism at The University of Sheffield, and now has three children. He said: “All of them have been to the hospital at some stage or another and I’ve been amazed at the quality of the staff.

“It’s a given that Sheffield Children's Hospital does an amazing job. There are some incredible people that work there but the facilities aren’t as good as the people there so we need to match that.” 

Matt is a three-time winner on the European Tour with victories at the 2015 British Masters, 2016 Nordea Masters and 2016 DP World Tour Championship. He also made an appearance for Europe at the 2016 Ryder Cup, just 22 years of age. From Ranmoor, Matt is a born and raised Sheffield lad who has recently become a patron for the Sheffield Children's Hospital.

He said: “Sheffield Children’s Hospital is an amazing place and I’m looking forward to meeting some young patients who are golf fans. The staff do an incredible job and I cant wait to get involved with the hospital more.”

Three-time world champion squash player, Nick Matthew OBE, is now championing as a patron of The Children’s Hospital Charity and as a member of Team Theo – the charity’s team of fundraisers and supporters. Sheffield born Nick said: “The hospital is an amazing place and the staff do so much for so many children in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. It also has strong links to local sport through brilliant sporting fundraising events.

“Sport is one of the best outlets to help children to regain their health and wellbeing. That makes it even more important that local sportspeople like me, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Michael Vaughan support the hospital in any way we can. I'm very proud to be an official patron.

Former Superbike world champion, James Toseland, retired from motorcycle racing in 2011 to pursue a full-time career in music. He became a patron of The Children’s Hospital Charity in 2012. 

Speaking of the hospital, Doncaster born James said: “It’s only one of a few hospitals that specialise in what they do for children in the country so it’s a very, very important hospital to have and it’s really important to keep it going.”

International cricket star and England Test Team Captain Joe Root joined the Charity as patron in March 2020.

Joe, who was awarded an MBE in 2019, grew up in Sheffield and continues to retain strong links to the area by also playing for Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

Joe said: “I have been aware of the work undertaken by all the staff at Sheffield Children’s Hospital for some time. The care and support given to all their young patients is truly amazing. I can’t wait to support and become involved with the Charity.”

Painter and commercial artist Pete Mckee is a hugely successful artist based in Sheffield. His iconic style has led to a large international fan base, and created commissions from Noel Gallagher, the Arctic Monkey’s, Paul Smith and Clarks. Pete, who was born and raised in Sheffield, has been a patron of Artfelt – the charity’s arts programme – since 2012.

Pete said “It’s a great honour to be a patron of a fantastic programme like Artfelt. I think it’s vitally important that a child’s stay in hospital is as cheery and stimulating as possible and one of the easiest ways of achieving this is through art.”

England international and Manchester City footballer Esme Morgan joined the Charity as a patron in May 2020.

At only 19 years of age, Esme has enjoyed a hugely impressive start to her career, having already won the WSL Cup and FA Women's Cup.

Esme said: "I’ve received the benefits of their care at Sheffield Children's myself and I care a lot about making sure as many as possible have the great experience I did. 

"I know how lucky I am to live my dream and do my hobby as a job. The least I can do is help others fulfil their goals.”

England International and Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin joined The Children's Hospital Charity as a patron in June 2021.

Dominic was born in Sheffield and began his career with Sheffield United. In August 2016, he joined Everton and became a full England international in October 2020, scoring on his debut.

He said: “I am honoured to be asked to be a patron of The Children’s Hospital Charity. It is a place that is close to my heart being from Sheffield and I am in awe of the work undertaken by all of the staff and the care given to all of their young patients, especially during these difficult times.

“I will be doing my utmost to help the Charity in any way possible and give the patients, parents and staff at Sheffield Children’s as much support as I possibly can.”

Critically acclaimed guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer Richard Hawley became a charity patron in July 2021.

Richard rose to fame with The Longpigs in the 1990s, before joining Pulp as a guitarist. Hailing from Sheffield, he has since forged one of the most diverse careers in modern music.

International skateboarder and Olympian Bombette Martin joined The Children's Hospital Charity as a patron in November 2021.

15-year-old Bombette also becomes the Charity’s youngest patron which is testament to her rising star status. 

Despite her young age, Bombette has already become the first female skateboarder to ever compete in a park event in the Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020 as part of TeamGB. She also won the women’s park event at the 2021 UK National Championships!

Bombette said: “I am awestruck to think that I could be someone who helps other children, whether that be through raising money to support them through treatment, creating awareness or providing any other encouragement I can. I hope to be able to boost patients and families through difficult times."

Jon Richardson joined The Children's Hospital Charity as a patron in December 2021.

Jon has become a household name as a team captain on 8 out of 10 Cats, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and as the host of Ultimate Worrier. He has also appeared programmes including Celebrity Gogglebox, Would I Lie To You? Have I Got News For You and popular game show Taskmaster.

Jon explained: “I am honoured to have been asked to join The Children’s Hospital Charity as a patron. The hospital is held in such high regard not just locally but with children travelling from all over the country and around the world for specialist care.

“I will do all I can to support their work in any way that I can and to give thanks to their incredible staff, who dedicate their lives to helping children and their families at a time of need. I am in awe of all of them and all those who serve the NHS."

Lucy is a Yorkshire-born actress, writer and stand-up comedian and joined The Children's Hospital Charity as a patron in December 2021. Lucy won the BBC Radio New Comedy Award in 2012 before winning the Chortle Award for Best Newcomer in 2013. In 2021, Channel 4 commissioned a six-part comedy series from Lucy called Hullraisers.

Lucy also co-stars with husband and fellow comedian Jon Richardson in the hit sitcom Meet the Richardsons, with filming on a third series now complete.

Lucy added: “I am delighted to become a patron of The Children’s Hospital Charity. I have spent my life making people smile and laugh and I know how vital that is for your wellbeing and comfort.

“As well as supporting the specialist care at Sheffield Children’s, the Charity fund an arts programme to bring colour and engaging art into hospital as well as creative workshops to engage and distract patients during long stays or before operations. It’s far more than a hospital and it felt like a perfect fit for us- I can’t wait to get started.”